Detailed Answer

This article explains, in plain language, the usual steps to ask a Pennsylvania court to appoint you as the administrator of a sibling’s estate when the sibling died without a will (intestate). It describes who typically may serve, where to file, what the court looks for, typical documents you will need, and practical steps to take. This is educational material only and not legal advice.

Overview of the legal framework

Pennsylvania law that governs estates and fiduciaries is found in Title 20 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries). That Title describes who may inherit when someone dies without a will and the court process for appointing a personal representative or administrator. You can read the statutes at the Pennsylvania General Assembly website: 20 Pa.C.S. (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries).

Who may be appointed administrator

When a person dies intestate, the court will appoint a personal representative (often called an administrator). Pennsylvania courts give priority to certain people when there is no nominated personal representative. Priority typically favors close relatives such as a surviving spouse, then children, then other next-of-kin. A sibling can be appointed if higher-priority persons are not available or decline the appointment, or if the court otherwise finds the sibling suitable. The local Register of Wills (in the county where the decedent lived) handles the initial filing and the Orphans’ Court (or equivalent) issues the official grant.

Typical step-by-step process to seek appointment

1. Locate the county office to file: File in the county where your sister lived at death. The county Register of Wills (or the clerk for the Orphans’ Court) accepts petitions for letters of administration. Pennsylvania court information is at the Unified Judicial System website: Pennsylvania Courts.
2. Gather documents: You will usually need a certified copy of the death certificate, your ID, basic information about the decedent (full name, date of death, last address), a list of known heirs and their addresses, and an inventory of known assets (bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, life insurance, retirement accounts, etc.).
3. File a petition or application for letters of administration: The exact form name varies by county. The petition asks the court to appoint you as administrator, lists the heirs, and states there is no valid will. The Register of Wills office can provide local forms and filing fees.
4. Provide notice to heirs and interested parties: The court or Register of Wills will require that interested parties (heirs and sometimes creditors) get notice of the petition. Some counties send notices for you; in others you must arrange service or mailings. This gives others a chance to object.
5. Bond and waivers: The court may require an estate bond to protect the estate against mismanagement. Often close relatives (heirs) can sign a written waiver of bond to avoid purchasing one. Whether a bond is required and the amount depends on the size and nature of the estate and local practice.
6. Appointment and issuance of letters: If the court approves your petition, it will issue letters of administration (or letters of personal representative). These are official documents you will use to access bank accounts, transfer property, and close accounts on behalf of the estate.
7. Duties after appointment: As administrator you typically must: collect and safeguard estate assets, notify creditors, pay valid debts and taxes in the proper order, file inventories and records with the court as required by local rules, and distribute remaining assets to heirs according to Pennsylvania intestacy rules in Title 20.

Common practical issues and how courts decide

• If a surviving spouse or child exists, they normally have priority. If they decline or are incapacitated, a sibling may be appointed.
• Court will consider whether an applicant is a proper person to serve (ability and willingness to administer the estate, potential conflicts of interest, criminal history may be relevant).
• If multiple people compete for appointment (for example, two siblings), the court may appoint the one who is best suited or direct the heirs to agree on an administrator. If heirs cannot agree, the court resolves the dispute.
• For small estates, some counties provide simplified procedures. Check the local Register of Wills for small‑estate options.

Hypothetical example

Suppose your sister, a Pennsylvania resident, died intestate and left no spouse and no children. You live in the same county, know of two bank accounts and a car in her name, and you want to tidy up her finances and transfer assets to the surviving relatives. You would contact the county Register of Wills, obtain the petition for letters of administration, gather a certified death certificate and a short list of likely heirs, file the petition, give required notice to heirs, and either post a bond or obtain waivers from the heirs. If no one objects and the court is satisfied, the court will issue letters of administration so you can access accounts and follow the required duties to wrap up the estate.

When to expect help or to think about hiring an attorney

Consider consulting an attorney if:

• There is disagreement among heirs about who should serve.
• The estate holds real estate, complicated assets, business interests, or potential tax issues.
• There are likely creditor disputes or lawsuits against the estate.
• You are unfamiliar with court procedures and want help preparing the petition, bond, inventory, and accountings.

Where to get local forms and specific county rules

Contact the Register of Wills in the county where the decedent lived. Each county has its own local forms, fee schedule, and procedural details. You can start at the Pennsylvania Courts website at https://www.pacourts.us/ or search for “Register of Wills” plus the county name. The state statutes for guidance are at the Pennsylvania General Assembly: 20 Pa.C.S. (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries).

Helpful Hints

• Get several certified death certificates early. You will usually need multiple certified copies to present to banks, the DMV, and other institutions.
• Search for any will thoroughly before filing. If your sister left a will signed in Pennsylvania, the will likely controls and triggers a different process (letters testamentary).
• Make a short, organized list of known assets and debts before you visit the Register of Wills: bank names and account types, real property addresses, insurance policies, retirement accounts, and outstanding bills.
• Ask the Register of Wills about local forms and whether the county offers a small‑estate process that might be faster or simpler.
• If the estate is small and most assets are jointly held or have beneficiary designations, you may not need to be appointed to transfer assets. Still get clear instructions from each institution (banks, title/DMV) about what they require.
• Keep careful records (receipts, bank statements, inventories). Courts expect transparency and accounting from administrators.
• If heirs sign a written waiver of bond, it can save the estate money by avoiding a bond premium. But think carefully before asking heirs to waive protection for the estate.

Common questions about timing and cost

Costs vary by county and estate complexity. Expect filing fees, possible bond costs (or bond premium), and routine administrative costs (mailing, certified copies). The time from filing to appointment varies — it can be quick in uncontested, straightforward cases and longer if there are objections or complex assets.

Useful links

• Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (Title 20) — Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=20
• Pennsylvania Courts (county courts and Register of Wills info): https://www.pacourts.us/

Final note and disclaimer

This explanation is educational and describes common Pennsylvania procedures for administration of an intestate estate. It is not legal advice. You should consult a Pennsylvania attorney or your local Register of Wills for guidance tailored to your specific situation.